Soma
as electrum
The
English translations of verses in Man.d.ala
9, are highlighted in brown-coloured font
to indicate that Soma is meant for the gods; thus, gods in the Rigveda
are an allegorical personification of the purification processes (of Soma),
just as Soma is an a_pri deity, together with other materials and apparatus
(ladles and vessels) employed in the yajn~a, accompanied by r.cas (or,
agnis.t.oma).
If
Soma is electrum and Indra is burning embers (such as charcoal, indha,
used in a furnace), the yajn~a
can be interpreted, at the material level, as a process of reduction (or,
pavitram,
purification), using ks.a_ra, of a metallic ore compound (ma_ks.ika_ or
quartz or pyrites) to yield the shining metals: potable (pavama_na,
rasa-- raso varjrah, cf. RV 9.048.03, i.e. rasa, vigorous as a thunderbolt)
gold and silver (hiran.yam
and rayi), after
oxidising the baser metallic elements (in the unrefined pyrite ores) such
as lead (na_ga
or ahi or vr.tra)
and copper (s'ulba).
Reducing
agents include alkaline as well as combustible materials --vegetable and
animal products-- such as: herbs (ks.a_ra), barley--grains and cooked pin.d.a,
milk, curds, clarified butter, viands (animal fat), bones (used in cupellation
processes, and for making crucibles, during the bronze-age), sheep's hair
or wool (reminisced as golden fleece).
For
e.g., Soma is described as parvata_ vr.dhah
in
a verse, that the pyrites are from the mountain slopes: 9.046.01 Begotten
by the stones the flowing (Soma-juices) are effused for the banquet of
the gods' active horses. [Begotten by the stones: or, growing on the mountain
slopes].
The exchange
value of gold and silver in Vedic times, is elaborated in metaphorical
terms related to wealth and lineage: such as food, cattle, rain; progeny.
The
vedi (altar) is the earth and as the agni (fire) raises towards the heaven,
the poetic imagination of the r.s.is (priests) expands into realms of cosmological
thoughts, unparalleled in recorded history of early human civilizations.
Thus, at a cosmic level, the Rigveda raises profound philosophical questions
which have been the fountain-head of Indian philosophical traditions.
In
such a perspective, the entire Rigveda can be viewed as an allegory, the
human quest for achieving material which has exchange value, in transcending
the material level to realms of philosophical explorations, and in expanding
the semantic and morphological limits of language to attain new insights
into the very concept of 'meaning', using language, through metrical, chanted
mantras, as a means of understanding the a_tman and the parama_tman, thereby,
attaining svarga, or bliss.
All
the su_ktas are thus, governed by a framework of four principal metaphors,
rendered in scintillating, ecstatic, spiritual poetic resonance : word,
prayer, gods, material well-being.
An
epitomy of this framework may be seen from the following selections:
9.063.25
The brilliant purified Soma-juices are let fall amidst all praises.
9.063.27
The purified (juices) are poured forth from heaven and from the firmament
upon the summit of the ground. [The summit
of the ground: i.e., the raised place, the place of divine sacrifice, or
yajn~a].
pv?mana
As&]t/ saema>? zu/³as/ #Nd?v> ,
A/i-
ivña?in/ kaVya? . 9-063-25
pv?mana
id/vs! py!r A/Ntir?]ad As&]t ,
p&/iw/Vya
Aix/ san?iv . 9-063-27
SOMA PROCESS
Adapted
from Haug's notes from Sa_yan.a's commentary on Aitareya Bra_hman.a:
The
adhvaryu takes the skin (carma or tvac) and puts on it the filaments or
shoots of the Soma (am.s'u). He then takes two boards (adhis.avan.a), puts
one on top of the Soma shoots, and beats them with the stones (gra_va_n.a).
Then the Soma is put between the two boards, and water is poured on them
from the vasati_vari_ pot. Soma is then shaken in the hota_ cup (camasa),
wetted again with vasati_vari_ water and put on a stone. Grass is laid
on them, and they are beaten so that the juice runs out. The juice is allowed
to run into the trough (a_havani_ya), then strained through the cloth (pavitra
or das'a_pavitra) which is held by the udgata_. The filtered soma is caught
in another trough (pu_tabhr.t). Libations are poured from two kinds of
vessels: grahas or saucers, and camasas or cups.
--Kalyan,
Nov. 11 1998
r.s.i: madhucchanda_ vais'va_mitra;
devata_: pavama_na soma; chanda: ga_yatri_; Anuva_ka I
Svaid?óya/
mid?óya/ pv?Sv saem/ xar?ya ,
#NÔa?y/
pat?ve su/t> . 9-001-01
r/]ae/ha
iv/ñc?;Ri[r A/i- yaein/m! Ayae?htm! ,
Ô[a?
s/xSw/m! Aas?dt! . 9-001-02
v/ir/vae/xat?mae
-v/ m<ih?óae v&Ç/hNt?m> ,
pi;R/
raxae? m/"aena?m! . 9-001-03
A/_y!
A;R m/hana<? de/vana<? vI/itm! ANx?sa ,
A/i-
vaj?m! %/t ïv>? . 9-001-04
Tvam!
ACDa? cramis/ td #d Aw¡? id/ve-id?ve
,
#Ndae/
Tve n? Aa/zs>? . 9-001-05
pu/nait?
te pir/öut</ saem</ sUyR?Sy Êih/ta ,
vare?[/
zñ?ta/ tna? . 9-001-06
tm! $/m!
A{vI>? sm/yR Aa g&/_[iNt/ yae;?[ae/ dz? ,
Svsa?r>/
payR? id/iv . 9-001-07
tm! $<?
ihNvNTy! A/¢uvae/ xm?iNt bak/r< it?m! ,
iÇ/xatu?
var/[m! mxu? . 9-001-08
A/-Imm!
A¸Nya? %/t ïI/[iNt? xe/nv>/ izzu?m! ,
saem/m!
#NÔa?y/ pat?ve . 9-001-09
A/Syed
#NÔae/ mde/:v! Aa ivña? v&/Çai[? ij¹te ,
zUrae?
m/"a c? m<hte . 9-001-10
9.001.01
Flow, Soma, in a most sweet and exhilarating stream, effused for Indra
to drink. [Yajus. 26.25]
9.001.02
The all-beholding destroyer of ra_ks.asas has stepped upon his gold-smitten
birthplace, united with the wooden cask. [Yajus. 26.26; variant ayohate
dron.e for ayohatam drun.a; his gold-smitted birth-place: drun.a_ = a wooden
cask (dron.akalas'a), or the planks of the Soma press; ayohatam = smitten
with gold; or, fabricated by a carpenter with a metal tool; Bra_hman.a
cited: hiran.yapa_n.ir abhis.unoti = golden-handed he presses out the Soma].
9.001.03
Be the lavish giver of wealth, most bounteous, the destroyer of enemies;
bestow on us the riches of the affluent.
9.001.04
Come with food to the sacrifice of the mighty gods, and bring to us strength
and sustenance.
9.001.05
To you we come, O dropping (Soma); for you only is this our worship day
by day, our prayers are to you, none other.
9.001.06
The daughter of the Sun purifies your gushing streams through the eternal
outstretched hair. [The daughter of the Sun: s'raddha_ = faith; Va_jasneyi:
'Verily s'raddha_ is the daughter of the Sun, she purifies him'. The hair-sieve
used for straining the Soma].
9.001.07
The ten sister-fingers seize you in the sacrifice, on the final day (of
the oblation). [pa_rye divi = sautye 'hani, on the day of the Soma effusion;
in 6.026.01, this term is explained as pa_rye ahan, in the final day, or
in the time of extremity].
9.001.08
The fingers press the Soma, they squeeze it glittering like a water-skin;
its juice becomes threefold, enemy-averting. [Its juice becomes threefold
= tridha_tu = lit., in three places; or, as filling the three vessels,
the dron.akalas'a, the a_havani_ya and the pu_tabhr.t].
9.001.09
The inviolable kine mingle this fresh Soma with their milk for Indra to
drink.
9.001.10
In the exhilaration of this draught the hero Indra smites all his enemies
and bestows wealth (on his worshippers).
|
r.s.i: madhucchanda_ ka_n.va;
devata_: pavama_na soma; chanda: ga_yatri_
pv?Sv
dev/vIr Ait? p/ivÇ<? saem/ r<ýa? ,
#NÔ?m!
#Ndae/ v&;a iv?z . 9-002-01
Aa v?CySv/
mih/ Psrae/ v&;e?Ndae *u/çv?Äm> ,
Aa yaein<?
x[R/is> s?d> . 9-002-02
Axu?]t
ià/ym! mxu/ xara? su/tSy? ve/xs>? ,
A/pae
v?isò su/³tu>? . 9-002-03
m/haNt<?
Tva m/hIr ANv! Aapae? A;RiNt/ isNx?v> ,
yd gaei-?r
vasiy/:yse? . 9-002-04
s/mu/Ôae
A/Psu ma?m&je ivò/M-ae x/é[ae? id/v> ,
saem>?
p/ivÇe? ASm/yu> . 9-002-05
Aic?³d/d
v&;a/ hir?r m/han! im/Çae n d?zR/t> ,
s<
sUyR?[ raecte . 9-002-06
igr?s!
t #Nd/ Aaej?sa mm!r#R/JyNte? Ap/Syuv>? ,
yai-/r
mda?y/ zuM-?se . 9-002-07
t<
Tva/ mda?y/ "&:v?y %laekk«/Æum! $?mhe ,
tv/ àz?Styae
m/hI> . 9-002-08
A/Sm_y?m!
#Ndv! #NÔ/yur mXv>? pvSv/ xar?ya ,
p/jRNyae?
v&iò/ma#?v . 9-002-09
gae/;a
#?Ndae n&/;a A?Sy! Añ/sa va?j/sa %/t ,
Aa/Tma
y/}Sy? pU/VyR> . 9-002-10
9.002.01
Flow on, Soma, seeking the gods, hastening on in your purifying course;
enter Indra, O Indu, the showerer.
9.002.02
O Indu, do you, the mighty showerer (of blessings) most glorious upholder,
send us food, and sit down in yours own place.
9.002.03
The stream of effused creative Soma milks out the joy-giving ambrosia;
the accomplisher of holy rites veils itself in the waters. [apo vasis.t.a
sukratuh: a reference to the vasati_vari_ water with which the soma is
sprinkled].
9.002.04
(Som), when you will veil yourself in the milk, the mighty streaming waters
flow to you, the mighty one.
9.002.05
The juice-distilling Soma, the sustainer, the supporter of heaven, is purified
in the water-- favouring us, (it is poured) into the straining cloth.
9.002.06
The mighty golden-hued showerer of blessings utters a sound as it drops,
beautiful as a friend; it shines (in the heavens) with the sun. [rocate
is read as, didyute in Sa_maveda; beautiful as a friend: mitro na = yatha_
sakha_].
9.002.07
O Indu, by the power the busy voices are hallowed which adorn you as you
drop for our exhilaration.
9.002.08
We ask you for exhilaration, you the giver of the highest world to your
foe-crushing worshipper-- great are your praises. [pras'astayo mahih is
read as, pras'astaye mahe in Sa_maveda].
9.002.09
Indu, do you, longing for Indra, stream upon us with a shower of ambrosia,
like a raining cloud. [indrayuh = enjoyed by Indra].
9.002.10
Indu, you are the giver of kine, of children, of horses, and of food; you
are the primeval soul of the sacrifice.
|
r.s.i: hiran.yastu_pa a_n:girasa;
devata_; pavamaPna soma; chanda: ga_yatri_
sna?
c saem/ jei;? c/ pv?man/ mih/ ïv>? ,
Awa?
nae/ vSy?ss! k«ix . 9-004-01
sna/
Jyaeit>/ sna/ Svr ivña? c saem/ saE-?ga ,
Awa?
nae/ vSy?ss! k«ix . 9-004-02
sna/
d]?m! %/t ³tu/m! Ap? saem/ m&xae? jih ,
Awa?
nae/ vSy?ss! k«ix . 9-004-03
pvI?tar>
punI/tn/ saem/m! #NÔa?y/ pat?ve ,
Awa?
nae/ vSy?ss! k«ix . 9-004-04
Tv<
sUyR? n/ Aa -?j/ tv/ ³Tva/ tvae/iti->? ,
Awa?
nae/ vSy?ss! k«ix . 9-004-05
tv/ ³Tva/
tvae/iti-/r Jyaek p?Zyem/ sUyR?m! ,
Awa?
nae/ vSy?ss! k«ix . 9-004-06
A/_y!
A;R Svayux/ saem? iÖ/bhR?s< r/iym! ,
Awa?
nae/ vSy?ss! k«ix . 9-004-07
A/_y!
A;aRn?pCyutae r/iy< s/mTsu? sas/ih> ,
Awa?
nae/ vSy?ss! k«ix . 9-004-08
Tva<
y/}Er A?vIv&x/n! pv?man/ ivx?mRi[ ,
Awa?
nae/ vSy?ss! k«ix . 9-004-09
r/iy<
n?z! ic/Çm! A/iñn/m! #Ndae? iv/ñayu/m! Aa -?r ,
Awa?
nae/ vSy?ss! k«ix . 9-004-10
9.004.01
Pure-dropping (Soma), bounteous food, welcome (the gods at our rite) and
overcome (the demons); and make us happy.
9.004.02
Soma, give us brightness, give us heaven, give us all good things; and
make us happy.
9.004.03
Soma, give us strength, give us wisdom, drive away our enemies; and make
us happy.
9.004.04
Priests, press out the Soma for Indra to drink; (O Soma), make us happy.
9.004.05
Do you, (O Soma), by your power and your protections bring us to the sun,
and make us happy.
9.004.06
The pure-flowing (Soma) longs for the fair-formed wide-reaching mighty
Night and Dawn not yet visible.
9.004.07
Bright-weaponed Soma, shower upon us wealth abundant for both worlds; and
make us happy. [dvibarhasam = dvayor dya_va_ pr.thivyoh stha_nayoh parivr.d.ham;
it means 'double', 'abundant].
9.004.08
O you who are unvanquished in battle, smitter of enemies, shower wealth
upon us, and make us happy. [va_jin replaces rayim in Sa_maveda].
9.004.09
Pure-dropping (Soma), they glorify you with the holy rites for their own
upholding make us happy. [vidharman.i = a_tmavidha_ran.a_rtham; or, yajne--'they
glorify you with the hymns in the sacrifice'].
9.004.10
Indu, bring to us varied wealth, abundant in horses and all-reaching, and
make us happy.
|
r.s.i: asita ka_s'yapa or
devala ka_s'yapa; devata_: a_pri_su_kta (1 idhma or samiddha agni, 2 tanu_napa_t,
3 il.a_, 4 barhi, 5 devi_ dva_ra, 6 us.a_sa_nakta_, 7 divya hota_gan.a
pracetas, 8 sarasvati_, il.a_, bha_rati_-- tisro devya, 9 tvas.t.a_, 10
vanaspati, 11 sva_ha_kr.ti
sim?Ïae
iv/ñt/s! pit>/ pv?manae/ iv ra?jit ,
àI/[n!
v&;a/ kin?³dt! . 9-005-01
tnU/npa/t!
pv?man>/ z&¼e/ izza?nae A;Rit ,
A/Ntir?]e[/
rar?jt! . 9-005-02
$/¦eNy>/
pv?manae r/iyr iv ra?jit *u/man! ,
mxae/r
xara?i-/r Aaej?sa . 9-005-03
b/ihR>
àa/cIn/m! Aaej?sa/ pv?man St&/[n! hir>? ,
de/ve;u?
de/v $?yte . 9-005-04
%d AatE?r
ijhte b&/hd Öarae? de/vIr ih?r/{yyI>? ,
pv?manen/
suòu?ta> . 9-005-05
su/iz/Lpe
b&?h/tI m/hI pv?manae v&;{yit ,
nae/;asa/
n d?zR/te . 9-005-06
%/-a
de/va n&/c]?sa/ haeta?ra/ dEVya? ÷ve ,
pv?man/
#NÔae/ v&;a? . 9-005-07
-ar?tI/
pv?manSy/ sr?Sv/tI¦a? m/hI ,
#/m<
nae? y/}m! Aa g?mn! it/öae de/vI> su/pez?s> . 9-005-08
Tvòa?rm!
A¢/ja< gae/pam! pu?rae/yava?n/m! Aa ÷?ve ,
#NÊ/r
#NÔae/ v&;a/ hir>/ pv?man> à/jap?it> . 9-005-09
vn/Spit?m!
pvman/ mXva/ sm! A?'iGx/ xar?ya ,
s/hö?vLz</
hir?t/m! æaj?man< ihr/{yy?m! . 9-005-10
ivñe?
deva>/ Svaha?k«it/m! pv?man/Sya g?t ,
va/yur
b&h/Spit>/ sUyaR? =/i¶r #NÔ>? s/jae;?s> . 9-005-11
9.005.01
The pure-flowing (Soma) shines forth in its brightness, the universal lord,
the showerer of blessings, the rejoicer, uttering a loud sound. [The deities,
samidh and others are severally invoked in the successive verses. Soma
is praised in the form of the A_pris, and samiddhah is explained as samyagdi_ptah].
9.005.02
The pure-flowing Tanu_napa_t, rushes sharpening its splendour on the height
and hastens through the sky. [Tanu_napa_t = a name of Soma, abhyo ams'avo
ja_yante tatah somo ja_yate, from the waters are born beams, from these
is born Soma; hastens through the sky: that is, to the dron.akalas'a, according
to the text, 'he takes a_grayan.a libation with two streams'].
9.005.03
The pure-flowing bright (Soma), the bounteous giver, worthy of all praise,
shines forth in its might with the streams of water.
9.005.04
The bright golden-hued pure-flowing one rushes in its might, strewing the
sacred grass in the sacrifice with its points towards the cast.
9.005.05
The bright golden doors, praised by the priests together with the Soma,
rise up from the vast horizon.
9.005.06
The pure-flowing (Soma) longs for the fair-formed wide-reaching mighty
Night and Dawn not yet visible.
9.005.07
I invoke the two divine priests, the two deities who behold men--
the pure-flowing (Soma) is radiant and the showerer (of benefits). [The
pure-flowing Soma is radiant: perhaps, an identification of Soma with Indra,
just as in the next verse, Indu (i.e. Soma) is identified with Indra.
9.005.08
May the three beautiful goddesses, Bha_rati_, Sarasvati_, and mighty Il.a_,
come to this our offering of the Soma.
9.005.09
I invoke Tvas.t.a_, the first-born, the protector, the leader; the golden-coloured
pure-flowing Indu is Indra, the showerer, the lord of all creatures.
9.005.10
Pure Soma, consecrate with your streaming ambrosia the green bright golden-hued
Vanaspati with its thousand branches.
9.005.11
O all ye gods, come together to the consecration of the Soma-- Va_yu, Br.haspati,
Su_rya, Agni and Indra.
|
r.s.i: a_sita ka_s'yapa or
devala ka_s'yapa; devata_: pavama_na soma; chanda: ga_yatri_
m/NÔya?
saem/ xar?ya/ v&;a? pvSv dev/yu> ,
AVyae/
vare?:v! ASm/yu> . 9-006-01
A/i-
Tym! m*/m! md/m! #Nd/v! #NÔ/ #it? ]r ,
A/i-
va/ijnae/ AvR?t> . 9-006-02
A/i-
Tym! pU/VyRm! md<? suva/nae A?;R p/ivÇ/ Aa ,
A/i-
vaj?m! %/t ïv>? . 9-006-03
Anu?
Ô/Psas/ #Nd?v/ Aapae/ n à/vta?srn! ,
pu/na/na
#NÔ?m! Aazt . 9-006-04
ym! ATy?m!
#v va/ijn?m! m&/jiNt/ yae;?[ae/ dz? ,
vne/
³I¦?Nt/m! ATy?ivm! . 9-006-05
t<
gaei-/r v&;?[</ rs/m! mda?y de/vvI?tye ,
su/tm!
-ra?y/ s< s&?j . 9-006-06
de/vae
de/vay/ xar/yeNÔa?y pvte su/t> ,
pyae/
yd A?Sy pI/py?t! . 9-006-07
Aa/Tma
y/}Sy/ r<ýa? su:va/[> p?vte su/t> ,
à/Æ<
in pa?it/ kaVy?m! . 9-006-08
@/va
pu?na/n #?NÔ/yur md?m! midó vI/tye? ,
guha?
icd dix;e/ igr>? . 9-006-09
9.006.01
Soma, who is the showerer (of benefits), devoted to the gods, favourable
to us, flow with your exhilarating stream into the woollen sieve. [In Sa_maveda,
avyo va_rebhih replaces avyo va_res.vah].
9.006.02
Indu,do you, as sovereign, effuse that exhilarating juice, and pour forth
vigorous steeds. [As sovereign: Lit. 'as Indra', i.e., acting as sovereign].
9.006.03
Rain out through the filter, while pressed that ancient exhilarating fluid,
and pour us forth strength and food.
9.006.04
The quickly-falling drops, as they filter, follow Indra and reach him,
like waters rushing down a declivity.
9.006.05
That which sporting in the wood and spurting beyond the sieve, the ten
sisters press, as (men rub down) a strong horse. [The ten sisters: the
ten fingers, as in RV 9.001.07].
9.006.06
That desire-showring liquor, effused for the drink of the gods and for
our exhilaration, mix with milk for prowess in battle.
9.006.07
The divine Soma, when effused, flows to the divine Indra in a stream, since
its milk flattens him. [Flattens: pi_payat = fr. pyai (reduplicated form);
or, pi = its milk swells].
9.006.08
The soul of the sacrifice, the effused Soma, flows; with speed bringing
blessings, and maintains his ancient seer-hood.
9.006.09
Most exciting (Soma), devoted to Indra, as you pour forth the exhilarating
juice for his drinking, you emit sounds in the secret (hall of sacrifice).
[You emit sounds: uparavas = round sounding holes, which are dug in the
ground, and over which the two boards, used for pressing the Soma, are
placed. These holes are said to deepen the sound of the stones with which
the boards and Soma are beaten, during crushing; guha_ cid dadhis.e girah
= you store praises in secret (Ka_tya_yana's Sutra 8.4.28].
|
r.s.i: asita ka_s'yapa or
devala ka_s'yapa; devata_: pavama_na soma; chanda: ga_yatri_
As&?¢/m!
#Nd?v> p/wa xmR?Ú! \/tSy? su/iïy>? ,
iv/da/na
A?Sy/ yaej?nm! . 9-007-01
à
xara/ mXvae? Ai¢/yae m/hIr A/pae iv ga?hte ,
h/ivr
h/iv:;u/ vN*>? . 9-007-02
à
yu/jae va/cae A?i¢/yae v&;av? c³d/d vne? ,
sÒa/i-
s/Tyae A?Xv/r> . 9-007-03
pir/
yt! kaVya? k/ivr n&/M[a vsa?nae/ A;R?it ,
Svr
va/jI is?;asit . 9-007-04
pv?manae
A/i- Sp&xae/ ivzae/ raje?v sIdit ,
yd $?m!
\/{viNt? ve/xs>? . 9-007-05
AVyae/
vare/ pir? ià/yae hir/r vne?;u sIdit ,
re/-ae
v?nu:yte m/tI . 9-007-06
s va/yum!
#NÔ?m! A/iñna? sa/km! mde?n gCDit ,
r[a/
yae A?Sy/ xmR?i-> . 9-007-07
Aa im/Çavé?[a/
-g/m! mXv>? pvNt ^/mRy>? ,
iv/da/na
A?Sy/ zKm?i-> . 9-007-08
A/Sm_y<?
raedsI r/iym! mXvae/ vaj?Sy sa/tye? ,
ïvae/
vsU?in/ s< ij?tm! . 9-007-09
9.007.01
The excellent streams (of the Soma), feeling a union with Indra, flow forth
in the ceremony by the path of sacrifice. [With Indra: Lit., 'with him',
asya; Indrasya is implied].
9.007.02
That which is to be praised as the oblation among oblations is immersed
in the great (holy) waters, the stream of honey, the pre-eminent. [Immersed
in the great holy waters: i.e. vasati_vari waters; the pre-eminent: pra
dha_ra_ agriyah = dha_ra_ mukhyah prapatanti, the pre-eminent streams fall
down].
9.007.03
The pre-eminent (Soma), the showerer of benefits, the truthful, the indestructible,
utters continuous sounds in the water, towards the sacrificial hall.
9.007.04
When the seer (Soma), wearing ample treasures, goes round the praises (of
his worshippers), then the mighty (Indra) in heaven is eager to repair
to the oblation.
9.007.05
When the priests excite it, the flowing Soma like a king destroys opposing
(demons and) men.
9.007.06
The green-tinted (Soma), dear to the gods, commingled with the water, sits
down upon the woollen sieve, uttering a sound it is greeted by praise.
9.007.07
He who is assiduous in the functions of (providing and preparing) the Soma,
goes with exhilaration to Va_yu, Indra and the As'vins.
9.007.08
The streams of the sweet Soma flow to Mitra and Varun.a and to Bhaga; the
worshippers knowing its (virtues are rewarded) with happiness.
9.007.09
Heaven and earth, for the acquisition of this exhilarating Soma food, win
for us wealth, food and treasures.
|
r.s.i: asita ka_s'yapa or
devala ka_s'yapa; devata_: pavama_na soma; chanda: ga_yatri_
@/te
saema? A/i- ià/ym! #NÔ?Sy/ kam?m! A]rn! ,
vxR?Ntae
ASy vI/yRm! . 9-008-01
pu/na/nas?z!
cmU/;dae/ gCD?Ntae va/yum! A/iñna? ,
te nae?
xaNtu su/vIyR?m! . 9-008-02
#NÔ?Sy
saem/ rax?se puna/nae haidR? caedy ,
\/tSy/
yaein?m! Aa/sd?m! . 9-008-03
m&/jiNt?
Tva/ dz/ i]pae? ih/NviNt? s/Ý xI/ty>? ,
Anu/
ivàa? Amaid;u> . 9-008-04
de/ve_y?s!
Tva/ mda?y/ k< s&?ja/nm! Ait? me/:y> ,
s<
gaei-?r vasyamis . 9-008-05
pu/na/n>
k/lze/:v! Aa vôa?{y! Aé/;ae hir>? ,
pir/
gVya?Ny! AVyt . 9-008-06
m/"aen/
Aa p?vSv nae j/ih ivña/ Ap/ iÖ;>? ,
#Ndae/
soa?y/m! Aa iv?z . 9-008-07
v&/iò<
id/v> pir? öv *u/çm! p&?iw/Vya Aix? ,
shae?
n> saem p&/Tsu xa>? . 9-008-08
n&/c]?s<
Tva v/ym! #NÔ?pIt< Sv/ivRd?m! ,
-/]I/mih?
à/jam! #;?m! . 9-008-09
9.008.01
These Soma juices distil the dear desire of Indra, increasing his vigour.
9.008.02
Pure-flowing, filling the ladles, and proceeding to Va_yu and the As'vins,
may they sustain our energy.
9.008.03
Soma, pure-flowing, desired for the gratification of Indra, do you impel
him to sit in the place of sacrifice. [Do you impel him: ha_rdi = abhilas.itah;
perhaps, ha_rdi = hr.dayam as in RV 8.079.08; the rendering: Soma, pure
flowing, for Indra's gratification, do you stir his heart to sit in the
place of sacrifice].
9.008.04
The ten fingers strain you, the seven priests caress you, the worshippers
gladden you. [The seven priests caress you: sapta dhi_tayah; but, in RV
9.062.17, this is explained as 'seven metres].
9.008.05
As you stream on the water and the woollen sieve, we wrap you up with milk
for the exhilaration of the gods. [On the water: kam = water; as an adverb,
'surely'].
9.008.06
Purified in the pitchers, radiant and green-tinted, the Soma puts on the
raiment derived from the cow.
9.008.07
Flow to us, your wealthy (worshippers); destoy all our enemies; Indu, enter
your friend. [Your friend: i.e. Indra].
9.008.08
Pour down rain from heaven, and abundance upon the earth; uphold our strength,
Soma, in battles.
9.008.09
(Adoring) you, the contemplator of men, the beverage of Indra and the knower
of all things, may we be blessed with progeny and food. [The knower of
all things: Or, the knower of heaven].
|
r.s.i: asita ka_s'yapa or
devala ka_s'yapa; devala: pavama_na soma; chanda: ga_yatri_
pir?
ià/ya id/v> k/ivr vya<?is n/Þyaer ih/t> ,
su/va/nae
ya?it k/iv³?tu> . 9-009-01
à-à/
]ya?y/ pNy?se/ jna?y/ juòae? A/Ôhe? ,
vI/Ty!
A;R/ cin?óya . 9-009-02
s sU/nur
ma/tra/ zuic?r ja/tae ja/te A?raecyt! ,
m/han!
m/hI \?ta/v&xa? . 9-009-03
s s/Ý
xI/iti-?r ih/tae n/*ae AijNvd A/Ôh>? ,
ya @k/m!
Ai]? vav&/xu> . 9-009-04
ta A/i-
sNt/m! ASt&?tm! m/he yuva?n/m! Aa d?xu> ,
#NÊ?m!
#NÔ/ tv? ì/te . 9-009-05
A/i-
viû/r Am?TyR> s/Ý p?Zyit/ vav?ih> ,
i³iv?r
de/vIr A?tpRyt! . 9-009-06
Ava/
kLpe?;u n> pum/s! tma<?is saem/ yaeXya? ,
tain?
punan j'"n> . 9-009-07
nU nVy?se/
nvI?yse sU/ay? saxya p/w> ,
à/Æ/vd
rae?cya/ éc>? . 9-009-08
pv?man/
mih/ ïvae/ gam! Añ<? rais vI/rv?t! ,
sna?
me/xa< sna/ Sv> . 9-009-09
9.009.01
The seer (Soma) having wise designs, when placed between the two boards
and effused, proceeds to the stones which are most dear to heaven. [Sa_maveda
has svanaih for suva_nah; between the two boards: lit., between the two
grand-daughters, naptyoh. Terms of relationship are used in the Veda often
to imply material objects; e.g. 'sisters' are 'fingers. Here, the two boards
are a reference to the two boards used in pressing the Soma; another interpretation
is that they imply two hands; proceeds to the stones: vaya_m.si; alternative
rendering: the seer is placed between the hands as a most dear banquet
to heaven; the knower of the past (or the wise in sacrifice) goes forth
effused].
9.009.02
Go forth in a most abundant stream, ample for his sustenance, to the guileless
man, your own, who praises you
9.009.03
That mighty and pure son, when born, illumines his mighty parents (heaven
and earth), the progenitors (of all things), the augmenters of the sacrifice.
[Alternative rendering: that pure son (the Soma) illumined his mothers,
he the born, them too born, he the great, them the great, the augmenters
of sacrifice].
9.009.04
Effused by the fingers, (Soma) gladdens the seven guileless rivers, who
have magnified him one and undecaying. [Seven guileless rivers: sapta is
separated from dhi_tibhih and connected with nadyah; cf. RV 10.008.04].
9.009.05
Indra, at your worship, they (the fingers) have provided the present, indestructible,
and ever-youthful Indu, for your solemn service.
9.009.06
The immortal bearer (of the oblation), the conveyer (of content to the
gods), beholds the seven rivers, full as a well, he has satisfied the divine
streams.
9.009.07
Protect us, manly Soma, in the days of sacrifice purifier, destroy those
powers of darkness against which we must contend. [In the days of sacrifice:
kalpes.u = kalpaniyes.vahahsu, in the days which have to be reckoned; another
interpretation: 'in our rites'].
9.009.08
Quickly speed on the road for our new praiseworthy hymn; as of old, display
your radiance.
9.009.09
Purifier (Soma), you grant us abundant food with male off-spring, and cattle
and horses; give us understanding, give us all (we desire).
|
r.s.i: asita ka_s'yapa or
devala ka_s'yapa; devata_: pavama_na soma; chanda: ga_yatri_
%pa?SmE
gayta nr>/ pv?mana/yeNd?ve ,
A/i-
de/va#y?]te . 9-011-01
A/i-
te/ mxu?na/ pyae =?wvaR[ae Aizïyu> ,
de/v<
de/vay? dev/yu . 9-011-02
s n>?
pvSv/ z< gve/ z< jna?y/ zm! AvR?te ,
z<
ra?j/Ú! Aae;?xI_y> . 9-011-03
b/æve/
nu Svt?vse =é/[ay? idiv/Sp&ze? ,
saema?y
ga/wm! A?cRt . 9-011-04
hSt?Cyutei-/r
AiÔ?i-> su/t< saem?m! punItn ,
mxa/v!
Aa xa?vta/ mxu? . 9-011-05
nm/sed
%p? sIdt d/×ed A/i- ïI?[Itn ,
#NÊ/m!
#NÔe? dxatn . 9-011-06
A/im/Ç/ha
ivc?;Ri[>/ pv?Sv saem/ z< gve? ,
de/ve_yae?
Anukam/k«t! . 9-011-07
#NÔa?y
saem/ pat?ve/ mda?y/ pir? i;Cyse ,
m/n/iín!
mn?s/s! pit>? . 9-011-08
pv?man
su/vIy¡? r/iy< sae?m irrIih n> ,
#Nd/v!
#NÔe?[ nae yu/ja . 9-011-09
9.011.01
Sing, leaders of rites, to this pure-flowing, Indu, who is desirous of
offering worship to the gods. [cf. Yajus. 33.62, first line].
9.011.02
The Atharva_n.a have mixed with sweet milk for the deity (Indra) your divine
and god-devoted (juice). [The Atharva_n.a = the priests; have mixed with
sweet milk: payah is taken to be instrumental; i.e., the meaning should
be: 'have mixed milk with your juice'].
9.011.03
Radiant (Soma), do you pour prosperity upon our cattle, upon our people,
upon our horses, and upon our plants.
9.011.04
Recite praises to the brown-coloured self-vigorous (at times) red heaven-touching
Soma.
9.011.05
Purify the Soma which has been effused by the stones whirled by the hands;
mix the sweet (milk) in the inebriating juice.
9.011.06
Approach with reverence, mix (the libation) with the curds, offer the Soma
to Indra.
9.011.07
Soma, slayer of our enemies, the wise one, the fulfiller of the desires
of the gods, do you shed prosperity on our cattle.
9.011.08
Soma, who are cognizant of the mind, lord of the mind, you are poured forth
for Indra to drink for his exhilaration.
9.011.09
Pure-dropping Soma, grant us wealth with excellent male offspring, grant
it to us, Indu, with Indra as our ally.
|
r.s.i: asita ka_s'yapa or
devala ka_s'yapa; devata_: pavama_na soma; chanda: ga_yatri_
saem>?
puna/nae A?;Rit s/hö?xarae/ ATy?iv> ,
va/yaer
#NÔ?Sy in:k«/tm! . 9-013-01
pv?manm!
AvSyvae/ ivà?m! A/i- à ga?yt ,
su/:va/[<
de/vvI?tye . 9-013-02
pv?Nte/
vaj?satye/ saema>? s/hö?pajs> ,
g&/[a/na
de/vvI?tye . 9-013-03
%/t nae/
vaj?satye/ pv?Sv b&h/tIr #;>? ,
*u/md
#?Ndae su/vIyR?m! . 9-013-04
te n>?
sh/iö[<? r/iym! pv?Nta/m! Aa su/vIyR?m! ,
su/va/na
de/vas/ #Nd?v> . 9-013-05
ATya?
ihya/na n he/t&i-/r As&?¢</ vaj?satye ,
iv var/m!
AVy?m! Aa/zv>? . 9-013-06
va/ïa
A?;R/NtINd?vae =/i- v/Ts< n xe/nv>? ,
d/x/iNv/re
g-?STyae> . 9-013-07
juò/
#NÔa?y mTs/r> pv?man/ kin?³dt! ,
ivña/
Ap/ iÖ;ae? jih . 9-013-08
A/p/¹Ntae/
Ara?V[>/ pv?mana> Sv/Ô#Rz>? ,
yaena?v!
\/tSy? sIdt . 9-013-09
9.013.01
The purifying Soma, flowing in a thousand streams and passing through the
woollen filter, proceeds to the prepared vessel for Va_yu and Indra.
9.013.02
Sing aloud, you who are desirous of (divine) protection to he purifying
wise Soma, effused for the beverage of the gods.
9.013.03
The Soma juices flow for the attainment of food, giving abundance of strength
and hymned (to become) the beverage of the gods. [They become the beverage
of the gods in the sacrifice, and by that means the sacrificer obtains
food: va_jasa_taye annasya la_bha_ya].
9.013.04
You, Indu, for our attainment of food pour forth abundant streams, and
splendid and excellent vigour. [Here va_jasa_taye may also be rendered
'for battle' ].
9.013.05
May those divine libations, when effused, bring to us thousandfold wealth
and excellent vigour.
9.013.06
Like horses urged to battle by their drivers, the swift-flowing juices
have (flown) through the woollen fleece. [urged to battle: va_jasa_taye
= for battle, in the first clause; for attainment of food, in the second
clause].
9.013.07
Making a loud noise, the libations flow (to the vessel) like cows lowing
to their calves; they are held in the arms (of the priests).
9.013.08
Acceptable and giving delight to Indra, pure (Soma), do you, as you utter
a sound, destroy all our enemies.
9.013.09
Pure (libations), beholding all things and destroying those who worship
not, sit down in the place of sacrifice. [Pure libations: or, this verse
may be addressed to the gods who are invited to partake of the offering].
|